The very next day, Ruthie went missing.
-- Narrator: Joe (chapter 1)

Importance: Joe places Ruthie's disappearance at the forefront of his narrative account. Therefore, this line marks the inciting event of the novel. It thus infuses the narrative with tension and conflict. Indeed, Ruthie's disappearance dictates the narrative atmosphere and inspires the majority of both Joe's and Norma's emotional and psychological complications.

If my mother did anything exceptionally well, it was guilt.
-- Narrator: Norma (chapter 2)

Importance: Although Norma loves her mother and knows that her mother loves her, their relationship is defined by guilt. Mother often makes Norma feel guilty as a way to maintain control over her. By causing her to feel this way, Mother ensures Norma's loyalty. The line establishes the author's central thematic explorations and creates a connection to Joe's concurrent storyline.

And I have a brother. But I don't have a brother. Because of all the dead babies.
-- Norma (chapter 2)

Importance: During Norma's first session with Alice, she...